Supporting structures for clothes-line



LINE

March 8, 1966 D. SORMANNI SUPPORTEIING STRUCTURES FOR CLOTHES Filed Dec. 1:, 1962 m. w m 4 F 2 R .r|| l M I IH WAf I T I MHH I M IIII 1/, ,l/ I 1 .W .H UM. I "D .'z-E I INVENTOR.

Dino Saflmarzrzl' I m F 5 ATTORNEY FIG. 4

United States Patent Ofiice 3,239,071 Patented Mar. 8, 1966 3,239 071 SUPPORTING STRUCTURES FOR CLOTHES-LINE Dino Sormanni, Via Vetulonia 52 F, Rome, Italy Filed Dec. 13, 1962, Ser. No. 244,427 Claims priority, application Italy Dec. 15, 1961 6 Claims. (Cl. 211--119.15)

The present invention refers to supporting structures employed particularly as clothes-line implements and installed advantageously in bathrooms in correspondence and above the bath tub to allow the dripping of hanging laundry in the tub itself.

A first important purpose of the present invention is to provide a structure as above specified comprising a fixed and rigid frame restrainable to the walls adjacent the bath tub and a supporting line for the laundry in which said fixed frame is shaped in such a manner as to follow the outside contour of the bath tub so as not to hinder its use, and a line can be set in combination with the bath tub itself when the structure is being used to hang the laundry and removed from this position, to be retracted into the frame, when the bath tub is being used for its usual purpose.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide a structure as above specified in which said fixed frame composed of compound elements to adapt the structure itself to the contour of baths different in shape, size and position. A further purpose of the invention is to provide a structure as above specified with one of the said elements shaped in such a way to contain the supporting line of the laundry.

One more purpose of the invention is to provide a structure as above specified in which the fixed frame surrounding the external perimeter of the bath tub be utilized as a support for a curtain to hide the hanging laundry over the bath tub itself thus preventing the water from splashing when the bath tub is being used as a shower.

These and other purposes of the invention will be more evident in the detailed description which follows and with reference to the enclosed drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows the front elevational view of a structure according to the invention in which the supporting line for the laundry is drawn out and set in an operative position;

FIG. 2 shows a partial axial section according to the line IIII of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a partial section according to the line III-III of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 shows a partial front elevational view of a second species of the structure of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a modification of the construction shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, mounted on a single wall over a bath tub.

A supporting structure according to the invention is composed essentially and in general of a fixed frame 10, restrainable in position above a bath tub, composed of a plurality of tubular elements adjustable to set the frame itself to the profile of the external perimeter of the tub. Amongst the plurality of elements at least one is straight containing a tubular sheath 11 containing a line 12 extractable from the sheath itself against the retaining action of elastic means. The free end of the line is folded to form a loop 13 which engages, when the line is fully extracted from the sheath 11, a hook 14 set on the other side of the frame. The line 12 connects the two ends of the fixed frame acting as a supporting element for the laundry to be hung.

In the shape illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the fixed frame 10 has two arms set at a right angle to one another, notably 15 and 16, the arms being composed of straight tubular elements preferably in metal, connected to an intermediate elbow-shaped element 17 which is also tubular. The arms are partially contained in said intermediate elbow element in respect of which can move telescopically for registration. Furthermore, the elbow element 17 has lengthwise slits 18 in which passes a setscrew 19 seated in a threaded hole of the straight tubular elements, cooperating with a plate nut 20 to lock the above said elements in reciprocal wanted position.

The frame 10 is further composed of a first and second anchoring terminals respectively 21 and 22, for hanging the frame itself to two adjacent walls A and B .at right angle; the above mentioned terminal elements each applicable to each end of the arms of the frame and both including an anchoring clamp 23 and two tubular extensions at right angle to each other one of which, indicated with 24 has the inside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of the tubular arms 15 and 16 so that the ends of the arms can be introduced in said appendixes.

The other tubular extensions, 25, terminates in the element 21, with the above said hook 14 whilst in the terminal element 22 said appendix ends with a plug 26 axially bored for the passage of the line 12 and preferably made of porcelain or similar material.

The illustration shows the inside of the tubular element forming the arm 15, holding the tubular sheath 11 preferably in plastic material which includes an end plug 27 bearing a fixed hook 28 for connection to a traction spring 29 whose free end includes an eyelet sheave 30 preferably in ceramic material. In the eyelet 30 passes the line 12 an end of which is permanently fixed to a further plug 31 of the sheath 11 whilst the other end of the same protrudes from the sheath and from the arm 15 to enter, through a gromet 32, in the appendix 25 and to come out through the hole of the end plug 26 described above; said free end of the line being folded in a buckle 33 to form a loop 13 which can be moved on the line in relation to the extension of the frame.

The line 12 is normally kept in a retracted position inside the sheath 11 by means of the spring 29 and in such retracted position occupies a space equal to half its maximum extension; being the line itself folded in two parallel lengths, and can be extended by pulling the free end which prevents the sliding in the hole of the eyelet 30 against the action of said spring. The parts are placed in such a way that when the line is extended and engaged to the end hook it connects diagonally the ends of the frame and is positioned under the frame itself. The form of actuation shown in FIG. 4 is referred to a structure according to the invention in which the fixed frame is composed of a first and second arm 34 parallel to each other and a third 'arm not drawn in the figure, at right angle in respect of the first two and connected to them by means of intermediate elbow elements of the type as previously described and indicated with 17.

According to the present variation the frame is also composed of anchoring terminal elements 21 and 22, to mount the frame itself to a single wall C, including an anchoring clamp 23 and two tubular extensions at right angle respectively 24 and 35 of which the first receives the end of the arm 34 and the second, which extends itself perpendicularly to the plane of the frame bears an articulated joint 36 to which is connected by means of a pivot 37, a further tubular appendix 38. The extension 38 can be folded to a position of minimum encumbrance (position drawn with continuous lines), in which the same is parallel to the fixed appendix 35 and therefore at right angle to the plane of the frame and can be pivoted to the operative position (position drawn in dashed lines) which is parallel to the arms 34 of. the

frame; the axial extension of the appendix 38 being such to permit its end to finish preferably in correspondence of the center line of the above said arms.

According to the second species of the invention the sheath 11 is contained in said third arm of the frame in order that the free end of the line 12 forming the loop 13, can protrude beyond the movable extension 38 of one of said terminal elements to engage, when the line is fully extracted, the hook 14 set at the end of the movable extension of the other anchoring terminal element not visible in the figure.

The parts are disposed therefore in such a way to have the line in the extracted position connecting the end of the frame according to a substantially median line. Naturally the form of actuation and the particulars of execution of the structure according to the invention are not limited to the examples mentioned and many variations can be possible for the technician on the basis of what has been described and illustrated and on the basis of the following claims.

What I claim is:

1. A supporting structure used particularly as a clothes line rack comprising an L-shaped frame, adapted to be mounted on corner walls, above a bath tub, said frame being made of a plurality of slidably connected tubular elements in order to adapt the frame itself to the outside perimeter of the tub; at least one straight tubular element of said plurality of elements containing a tubular sheath including a line extendable from the sheath itself against the action of retaining elastic means; the free end of the line extending from one end of the frame and folded as a loop to engage in full extended position, a hook mounted on the other end of the frame itself, said frame com-posed of two arms at a right angle to one another, a first and second anchoring terminal element for hanging the frame to two adjacent walls at right angles to one another, both applicable to each end of the arms of the frame; said terminal elements including a connecting clamp and two tubular extensions at a right angle to each other, a first and second tubular element forming the arms of the frame and an intermediate elbow element for connecting the arms themselves; one end of the line being restrained to a further end plug of the sheath andthe other end, free, the line passing through an axial hole of said further plug to come out from the frame beyond the end of the tubular extension; of one of said anchoring terminal elements, and a loop on the free end of said line engaging a fixed hook set on the other terminal element when the line is completely extended against the action of said elastic means, from said sheath, the parts being disposed in such a way for the extended line to connect diagonally the ends of the frame below the plane in which the arms of the frame are lying.

2. A supporting structure used particularly as a clothes line rack comprising an L-shaped frame, adapted to be mounted on corner walls, above a bath tub, said frame being made of a plurality of slidably connected tubular elements in order to adapt the frame itself to the outside perimeter of the tub; at least one straight tubular element of said plurality of elements containing a tubular sheath including a line extendable from the sheath itself against the action of retaining elastic means; the free end of the line extending from one end of the frame and folded as a loop to engage in fully extended position, a hook mounted on the other end of the frame itself, said frame composed of two arms at a right angle to one another, a first and second anchoring terminal element for hanging the frame to two adjacent walls at right angles, to one another, both applicable to each end of the arms of the frame; said terminal elements including a connecting clamp and two tubular extensions at a right angle to each other, a first and second tubular element forming the arms of the frame and an intermediate elbow element for connecting the arms themselves; one end of the line being restrained to a further end plug of the sheath and the other end, free, said line passing through an axial hole of said further plug to come out from the frame beyond the end of the tubular extension of one of said anchoring terminal elements, and a loop on the free end of said lines engaging a fixed hook set on the other terminal element when the line is completely extended, against the action of said elastic means, from said sheath; the parts being disposed in such a way for the extended line to connect diagonally the ends of the frame below the plane in which the arms of the frame are lying, said tubular sheath being of a plastic material.

3. A supporting structure used particularly as a clothes line rack comprising an L-shaped frame, adapted to be mounted on corner walls, above a bath tub, said frame being made of a plurality of slidably connected tubular elements in order to adapt the frame itself to the outside perimeter of the'tub; at least one straight tubular element of said plurality of elements containing a tubular sheath including a 'line extendible from the sheath itself against the action of the retaining elastic means; the free end of the line extending from one end of the frame and folded as a loop to engage in a full extended position, a hook mounted on the other end of the frame itself, said frame composed of two arms at a right angle to one another, a first and second anchoring terminal element for hanging the frame to two adjacent walls at right angles to one another, both applicable to each end of the arms of the frame; said terminal elements including a connecting clamp and two tubular extensions at a right angle to each other, a first and second tubular element forming the arms of the frame and an intermediate elbow element for connecting the arms themselves; one end of the line being restrained to a further end plug of the sheath and the other end, free, said line passing through an axial hole of said further plug to come out from the frame beyond the end of the tubular extension of one said anchoring terminal elements, and a loop on the free end of said line engaging .a fixed hook set on the other terminal element when the line is completely extended, against the action of said elastic means, from said sheath; the parts being disposed in such a way for the extended line to connect diagonally the ends of the frame below the plane in which the arms of the frame are lying, said further plug and said eyelet sheave being made of ceramic material.

4. A supporting structure used particularly as a clothes line rack comprising an L-shaped frame, adapted to be mounted on corner walls, above a bath tub, said frame being made of a plurality of slidably connected tubular elements in order to adapt the frame itself to the outside perimeter of the tub; at least one straight tubular element of said plurality of elements containing a tubular sheath including a line ex-tendable from the sheath itself against the action of retaining elastic means; the free end of the line extending from one end of the frame and folded as a loop to engage in full extended position, a hook mounted on the other end of the frame itself, said frame composed of two arms at a right angle to one another, a first and second anchoring terminal element for hanging the frame to two adjacent walls .at a right angle to each other, both applicable to each end of the arms of the frame; said terminal elements including a connecting clamp and two tubular extensions at .a right angle to each other, a first and second tubular element forming the arms of the frame, and an intermediate elbow element for connecting the arms themselves; one end of the line being restrained to a further end plug of the sheath and the other end, free, said line passing through an axial hole of said further plug to come out from the frame beyond the end of the tubular extension of one of said anchoring terminal elements, and a loop on the free end of said line engaging a fixed hook set on the other terminal element when the line is completely extended against the action of said elastic means, from said sheath; the parts being disposed in such a way for the extended line to connect diagonally the ends of the frame below the plane in which the arms of the frame are lying, said straight tubular elements being partially contained in said intermediate elbow element in respect of which they can move telescopically for registration; the elbow element having for this purpose lengthwise slits in which passes a setscrew seated in a threaded hole of the straight tubular elements, and cooperating with a plate nut to block the said element in a predetermined reciprocal position.

5. A supporting structure used particularly as a clothes line rack comprising a U-shaped frame, adapted to be mounted on corner walls, above a bath tub, said frame being made of a plurality of slidably connected tubular elements in order to adapt the frame itself to the outside perimeter of the tub; at least one straight tubular element of said plurality of elements containing a tubular sheath including a line extendable from the sheath itself against the action of retaining elastic means; the free end of the line extending from one end of the frame and folded as a loop to engage in a fully extended position, a hook mounted on the other end of the frame itself, said frame composed of a first and second parallel arm, a third arm at a right angle to the first two arms and connected to the first and second arms by means of intermediate elbow elements, anchoring terminal elements, to hand said frame to a single wall, each including an anchoring clamp and two tubular extensions at a right angle to one another, one of which receives the end of one of said parallel arms of the frame and the other extending itself perpendicularly to the plane of the frame and including an end articulation to which is connected a further movable tubular extension folding to a minimum encumbrance position at right angle to said plane of the frame, said line having one end restrained to a further plug of the sheath and the other end, free, said line passing through .an axial hole of said further plug to come out from the sheath and beyond the end of the movable extension of one of said anchoring terminal elements on the outside of the frame, a loop at the free end of said line to engage, when the line is completely extended, against the action of said elastic means.

6. A supporting structure used particularly as a clothes line rack comprising a U-shaped frame, adapted to be mounted on corner Walls, above a bath tub, said frame being made of a plurality of slidably connected tubular elements in order to adapt the frame itself to the outside perimeter of the tub; at least one straight tubular element of said plurality of elements containing a tubular sheath including a line extendable from the sheath itself against the action of retaining elastic means; the free end of the line extending from one end of the frame and folded as a loop to engage in a fully extended position, a hook set on the other end of the frame itself, said frame composed of a first and second parallel arm, a thirdarm at a right angle to the first two arms and connected to the first and second arms by means of intermediate elbow elements, anchoring terminal elements, to hang said frame to a single wall, each including an anchoring clamp and two tubular extensions at a rig-ht angle to one another, one of which receives the end of one of said parallel arms of the frame and the other extending itself perpendicularly to the plane of the frame andincluding an end articulation to which is connected a further movable tubular extension folding to a minimum encumbrance position at a right angle to said plane of the frame, said line having one end restrained to a further plug of the sheath and the other end, free, said line passing through an axial hole of said further plug to come out from the sheath and beyond the end of the movable extension of one of said anchoring terminal elements on the outside of the frame, a loop at the free end of said line to engage, when the line is completely extended, against the action of said elastic means, said movable extensions on the anchoring terminal elements being provided from the minimum encumbrance position to an operative position in which the same are parallel to said first and second arm of the frame; the axial extension of said extension being such as to have their ends in correspondence with the center line of the parallel arms of the frame in order to have said line connecting in the extended position, the ends of the frame itself according to a substantial median line.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,048,736 12/ 1912 Richards 248-67.5 1,620,590 3/1927 Betts 21 1119.15 X 2,188,163 1/1940 Sherman 4149 X 2,567,270 9/1951 Belich 248-353 2,778,030 1/1957 Goche 4-149 2,904,189 9/1959 Eisert 211--119.1 3,018,507 1/ 1962 Launer 26774 X CLAUDE A. LE ROY, Primary Examiner.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, JOHN PETO, Examiners.

W. D. LOULAN, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A SUPPORTING STRUCTURE USED PARTICULARLY AS A CLOTHES LINE RACK COMPRISING AN L-SHAPED FRAME, ADAPTED TO BE MOUNTED ON CORNER WALLS, ABOVE A BOATH TUB, SAID FRAME BEING MADE OF A PLURALITY OF SLIDABLY CONNECTED TUBULAR ELEMENTS IN ORDER TO ADAPT THE FRAME ITSELF TO THE OUTSIDE PERIMETER OF THE TUB; AT LEAST ONE STRAIGHT TUBULAR ELEMENT OF SAID PLURALITY OF ELEMENTS CONTAINING A TUBULAR SHEATH INCLUDING A LINE EXTENDABLE FROM THE SHEATH ITSELF AGAINST THE ACTION OF RETAINING ELASTIC MEANS; THE FREE END OF THE LINE EXTENDING FROM ONE END OF THE FRAME AND FOLDED AS A LOOP TO ENGAGE IN FULL EXTENDED POSITION, A HOOK MOUNTED ON THE OTHER END OF THE FRAME ITSELF, SAID FRAME COMPOSED OF TWO ARMS AT A RIGHT ANGLE TO ONE ANOTHER, A FIRST AND SECOND ANCHORING TERMINAL ELEMENT FOR HANGING THE FRAME TO TWO ADJACENT WALLS AT RIGHT ANGLES TO ONE ANOTHER, BOTH APPLICABLE TO EACH END OF THE ARMS OF THE FRAME; SAID TERMINAL ELEMENTS INCLUDING A CONNECTING CLAMP AND TWO TUBULAR EXTENSIONS AT A RIGHT ANGLE TO EACH OTHER, A FIRST AND SECOND TUBULAR ELEMENT FORMING THE ARMS OF THE FRAME AND AN INTERMEDIATE ELBOW ELEMENT FOR CONNECTING THE ARMS THEMSELVES; ONE END OF THE LINE BEING RESTRAINED TO A FURTHER END PLUG OF THE SHEATH AND THE OTHER END, FREE, THE LINE PASSING THROUGH AN AXIAL HOLE OF SAID FURTHER PLUG TO COME OUT FROM THE FRAME BEYOND THE END OF THE TUBULAR EXTENSION; OF ONE OF SAID ANCHORING TERMINAL ELEMENTS, AND A LOOP ON THE FREE END OF SAID LINE ENGAGING A FIXED HOOK SET ON THE OTHER TERMINAL ELEMENT WHEN THE LINE IS COMPLETELY EXTENDED AGAINST THE ACTION OF SAID ELASTIC MEANS, FROM SAID SHEATH, THE PARTS BEING DISPOSED IN SUCH A WAY FOR THE EXTENDED LINE TO CONNECT DIAGONALLY THE ENDS OF THE FRAME BELOW THE PLANE IN WHICH THE ARMS OF THE FRAME ARE LYING. 